WNYT.com

Obama: Americans agree with my approach on deficit

As expected, President Obama says any plan to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff must include raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans.

The president today made his first public comments since the election.

While he says he is open to compromise and new ideas, he will veto any legislation that extends tax cuts for upper-income Americans.

“I refuse to accept any approach that isn't balanced. I'm not gonna ask students and seniors and middle class families to pay down the entire deficit while people like me making over $250,000 aren't asked to pay a dime more in taxes. I'm not gonna do that."

The president says if nothing is done by December 31, taxes will go up for all Americans.

He is meeting with leaders from both parties about the issue next week at the white house.